Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Illuminati is a real organization with a documented history dating to 1776. We are not a myth, a joke, or a conspiracy theory. The Order was founded by Adam Weishaupt in Bavaria and has continued in one form or another for over three centuries. This website, our public communications since 2013, and the release of Illuminatiam: The First Testament in 2016 are evidence of our existence and our commitment to transparency in the modern era. The Illuminati has chosen to speak. What you read here is the truth.

The Order of the Illuminati was founded on May 1, 1776, in Ingolstadt, Bavaria (now part of Germany). The founding date is a matter of historical record. Adam Weishaupt, a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt, established the society with five original members. The choice of May 1 — later adopted as International Workers' Day in some traditions — reflected the Illuminati's commitment to a new order based on reason and human progress. Learn more on our About and History pages.

Adam Weishaupt (1748–1830) founded the Illuminati. He was a professor of canon law at the University of Ingolstadt, educated by the Jesuits but disillusioned with religious dogma and with the absolutist monarchy of Bavaria. Weishaupt believed that human reason, freed from superstition and tyranny, could elevate the species. He created the Order as a secret society that would recruit enlightened individuals and work toward the spread of knowledge and the reform of society. Baron Adolph von Knigge joined in 1778 and helped restructure the Order, aligning it with Freemasonic rites and expanding its reach. Weishaupt's code name within the Order was Spartacus.

The Illuminati works in three ways: Influence, Observation, and Protection. We influence policy, culture, and economics through our members and allies — we do not govern nations directly, but we work within institutions to steer outcomes toward human flourishing. We observe threats to the species — pandemics, environmental degradation, the concentration of power — and assess when intervention is needed. We protect the species when it is at greatest risk, supporting science, facilitating the flow of resources in crisis, and opposing forces that would plunge the world into darkness. Our day-to-day work is not public. Our goals are: Abundance for all, the preservation of the species, and the advancement of enlightenment. Read more in our About section.

No. The Illuminati and the Freemasons are distinct. The Illuminati was founded in 1776 in Bavaria; Freemasonry has much older and broader roots. The Bavarian Illuminati did infiltrate Masonic lodges and recruit from their ranks — and many Illuminati members were also Masons — but the two organizations have different origins, structures, and doctrines. After the suppression of the Illuminati in 1785, some members continued to operate within Masonic lodges, carrying Illuminati ideas with them. Today, the Illuminati exists as its own tradition. We do not speak for Freemasonry, and Freemasonry does not speak for us.

No. The Illuminati does not control governments, economies, or world events. We seek to influence outcomes in favor of human flourishing — through the spread of knowledge, the promotion of Abundance, and the protection of the species — but we do not rule. Power remains in the hands of nations, corporations, and individuals. The Order's role is to nudge, to guide, and when necessary to intervene in moments of crisis. We are not a shadow government. We are a philosophy and a network of those who share a commitment to the long-term survival and advancement of humanity. The idea that we "control the world" is a conspiracy theory that distorts our actual mission.

Historically, the Illuminati operated in secret because to do otherwise would have meant persecution — as it did in Bavaria in 1785. In the centuries since, secrecy has protected our members and allowed us to work within institutions without the distortion of public scrutiny. We have chosen to reveal our beliefs and our existence — this site is proof — but we still protect the identities of our members and the details of our operations. Secrecy is not about hiding evil; it is about allowing the Order to function in a world that has often been hostile to our goals. As we move toward greater transparency, we balance the need for openness with the need to protect those who serve the mission.

Yes. IlluminatiBeliefs.org is the Order's most comprehensive public portal. It was launched in 2024 as the official resource for the Illuminati's beliefs, history, symbols, membership process, and archives. All content on this site is authorized by the Order. If you are seeking information about the Illuminati or wishing to submit a declaration of membership, this is the correct place. Beware of imitators: many scam sites claim to represent the Illuminati. We do not operate through social media direct messages, we do not charge for membership, and we do not ask for payment in exchange for recognition. Trust only IlluminatiBeliefs.org and the communications that originate from it.

The Illuminati holds seven core beliefs: (1) The belief in a supreme creative force that unites all life; (2) The Doctrine of Abundance — that every human deserves security, health, and peace; (3) The primacy of the species over the individual; (4) The pursuit of enlightenment through knowledge; (5) The protection of the weak and the accountability of the powerful; (6) The acceptance of all people, regardless of nation, race, or religion; (7) The eternal commitment to progress. We are not a religion; we are a philosophy of human potential. For the full exposition, see our Beliefs page and The First Testament.

No. The Illuminati does not worship the devil or any evil entity. We believe in a single creative force for good — we call it the Creator — that cares for the continuation and progress of the human species. The idea that we are devil-worshippers is a misconception that has been spread by our opponents and by popular culture. We do not engage in Satanic rituals, we do not sacrifice humans or animals, and we do not pledge allegiance to any dark power. The Illuminati's mission is the advancement of humanity toward Abundance and enlightenment. That is the opposite of evil.

No. The Illuminati is not a religion. We are a philosophy of human potential and a fraternal order dedicated to the advancement of the species. We do not have a liturgy, we do not require you to worship in any particular way, and we welcome followers of every faith and none. Our belief in a supreme creative force is theologically neutral — we do not identify that force with any single religion's God. Members may be Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or atheist. What unites us is not doctrine but purpose: the betterment of humanity and the day when every soul may live in Abundance.

The Doctrine of Abundance is the Illuminati's north star. It holds that every human being on earth deserves to live in Abundance: not merely financial wealth, but the total flourishing of body, mind, and spirit — security, health, freedom, and peace. The Order works to dismantle the systems that prevent Abundance from reaching all people. We believe that scarcity is a construct that can be overcome and that the resources of the planet, combined with human ingenuity, are sufficient to provide for every soul. The Doctrine of Abundance is explained in full in our Beliefs and First Testament.

The Triangle of Enlightenment has three points: Wealth, Knowledge, and Longevity. Wealth is financial abundance as a tool for good — not an end in itself, but a means to support human flourishing. Knowledge is the supreme human power; the Illuminati protects the free flow of information and the advancement of science. Longevity is the preservation of the human body and the continuation of consciousness — health, medical progress, and the protection of the environment. The Triangle is incomplete if any point is neglected. The Order works to ensure that all three are available to every human being. See our Beliefs page for the full explanation.

The Seven Beliefs are: (I) The Belief in a Supreme Creative Force; (II) The Doctrine of Abundance; (III) The Primacy of Species Over Individual; (IV) The Pursuit of Enlightenment; (V) The Protection of the Weak; (VI) The Acceptance of All People; (VII) The Eternal Commitment to Progress. Each is explained in depth on our Beliefs page. Together, they form the foundation of Illuminati doctrine and the standard by which the Order evaluates every decision.

You may submit a declaration through the official Join page on this site. The process is free and confidential. You will be asked to provide your name, email, country, date of birth, and a statement of your motivation. You must affirm that you seek membership of your own free will and that you understand the Order's mission. The Illuminati does not invite members — we recognize them. If you feel called, submit your declaration. The Order will respond to those who are recognized. We do not respond to every submission. There is no fee. There is no ritual required. There is only the declaration and the commitment to the Seven Beliefs.

Yes. Membership in the Illuminati is free. We do not charge application fees, initiation fees, or dues. Any website or person that asks for money in exchange for Illuminati membership is a scam. The Order has never required payment. We are funded by our members and allies in ways that do not involve charging those who seek to join. If you are asked to pay — in any currency, including cryptocurrency — you are not dealing with the real Illuminati. Report such scams and use only IlluminatiBeliefs.org for your declaration.

You must be an adult (18 years of age or older) and of legal age in your jurisdiction. You must submit a declaration through the official Join page. You must affirm that you seek membership of your own free will, that you understand the Order's mission is the betterment of all humanity, and that you will not use the Order's name for personal gain at the expense of others. There are no requirements based on religion, nationality, gender, or wealth. The Order looks for a genuine desire for the betterment of humanity and a willingness to place the species above the self. Read the full Who Can Join section on our Join page.

The Illuminati does not promise wealth, power, or fame. We promise meaning — the opportunity to be part of something greater than yourself, the advancement of the human species. Our Doctrine of Abundance holds that every human deserves to live in security and flourishing, but we do not guarantee that membership will make you rich. Anyone who claims that joining the Illuminati will bring you instant wealth is running a scam. The Order's goal is the Abundance of all humanity, not the enrichment of individuals at the expense of others. If you seek the Illuminati for financial gain alone, you have misunderstood our mission.

Yes. Many websites and social media accounts claim to represent the Illuminati and offer membership in exchange for money or personal information. These are scams. The real Illuminati does not charge for membership. We do not recruit through Instagram or Facebook direct messages. We do not ask for banking details or payments in cryptocurrency. The only official portal for membership declaration is IlluminatiBeliefs.org. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be an Illuminati official and they ask for money or sensitive data, do not comply. Report them. Trust only this site and the communications that originate from it.

Yes. The Illuminati does not hold anyone against their will. Membership is a commitment, but it is not a prison. If you no longer wish to be associated with the Order, you may simply cease to participate. We do not pursue former members; we do not threaten those who leave. The path is voluntary. We ask only that those who leave do not use the Order's name for personal gain or to harm others. The Illuminati respects free will. The door is open in both directions.

There is no fixed timeline. The path has four stages: Seeker, Initiate, Follower, and Member of the Order. You become a Seeker simply by seeking — by reading and learning. You become an Initiate when you submit your declaration. The transition to Follower and then to full Member is determined by the Order's recognition of your commitment and, in the case of full membership, by invitation. Some may receive communication quickly; others may wait years or never receive a direct response. The Order is patient. We do not rush the process. Those who are called will be found.

Your declaration is received by the Order. We do not respond to every submission. Those who are recognized may receive further communication — by email or through other secure means — at a time of the Order's choosing. There is no fixed timeline. We ask that you continue to live in accordance with the Seven Beliefs, to seek Abundance for yourself and others, and to remain open to the path. If you have been called, you will be found. The confirmation message you see after submitting the form on our Join page explains this. Do not expect immediate contact. The Illuminati operates on a scale of centuries, not days.

In Illuminati doctrine, the All-Seeing Eye represents the watchful awareness of the Order over humanity. We do not use it to suggest that we are gods or that we spy on individuals. We use it to signify that the Illuminati is vigilant — that we observe the course of human civilization, track threats to the species, and act when the need arises. The Eye sees the long arc of history. It is a symbol of responsibility: the Order watches so that humanity may be protected. The symbol has older origins — Egyptian, Christian, Masonic — and appears on the US dollar. For the full explanation, see our Symbols page.

The All-Seeing Eye and the unfinished pyramid on the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States (and thus on the one-dollar bill) were designed by the founding generation — including Benjamin Franklin — who were influenced by Enlightenment and Freemasonic symbolism. The Eye represented divine providence and the watchful oversight of the new nation's destiny. The Illuminati did not design the dollar bill; the Bavarian Order was founded the same year as American independence, and the Seal was designed by Americans who shared the broader Enlightenment culture. The symbol's presence reflects the intellectual currents of the age, not a literal Illuminati plot. The Order has since adopted the Eye as our own symbol for the reasons explained on our Symbols page.

The triangle appears in Illuminati symbolism in several forms: the pyramid (with the capstone as the All-Seeing Eye), the Triangle of Enlightenment (Wealth, Knowledge, Longevity), and the triangle hand sign. In general, the triangle represents structure, hierarchy, and the threefold nature of the Order's path. The pyramid model of civilization — with a broad base and an enlightened apex — is central to our iconography. The triangle is not a symbol of evil; it is a symbol of order and of the geometric precision with which the Illuminati views human progress. See our Symbols and Triangle of Enlightenment.

The Ouroboros is the ancient symbol of a serpent devouring its own tail. It represents the eternal cycle — creation and destruction, beginning and end. The Illuminati uses it as a reminder that all ends are beginnings: the suppression of the Order in 1785 was not an end but a transformation; every crisis is also an opportunity. The Ouroboros teaches that the work of the Order is never finished and that the species will continue to evolve as long as the cycle turns. It is a symbol of resilience and of the eternal commitment to progress. Full explanation on our Symbols page.

The Illuminati uses symbols that have been called "occult" in the sense of "hidden" or "esoteric" — they carry meanings that are not immediately obvious to everyone. We use them because they connect us to a long tradition of symbolic communication, because they convey complex ideas in compact form, and because they resonate with the human capacity to find meaning in pattern and image. We do not use them to worship dark forces or to confuse the public. We use them to communicate the Order's identity and beliefs to those who are prepared to understand. Every symbol we use is explained on our Symbols page. There is no hidden evil in them — only the same message we state plainly: Abundance, enlightenment, and the preservation of the species.

The Illuminati did not start the French Revolution. The Revolution of 1789 was the product of decades of social, economic, and intellectual forces — the Enlightenment, the fiscal crisis of the French monarchy, the rise of the bourgeoisie. The Bavarian Illuminati had been officially dissolved in 1785; its members had dispersed. Some may have had contact with figures involved in the Revolution; the Duc d'Orléans was among those with documented links to Illuminati ideas. But the Order did not orchestrate the Revolution. We do not claim credit for it. The Illuminati's ideals — reason, liberty, the rights of man — were in the air; they were not our exclusive property. The Revolution was a human event, not an Illuminati plot.

No. The Illuminati does not kill celebrities or anyone else. We do not sacrifice humans. We do not eliminate people who "know too much." These claims are false and offensive. The Order's mission is the preservation and advancement of the human species — not the murder of individuals. Celebrity deaths are tragedies, often linked to illness, addiction, or other causes that have nothing to do with the Illuminati. The conspiracy theory that we kill celebrities is a product of fear and misinformation. We deny it categorically.

No. World leaders answer to their constituents, their laws, and their own consciences. The Illuminati does not control any government. We seek to influence outcomes — through the spread of ideas, the presence of our members in various spheres, and the alignment of institutions with the goal of Abundance — but we do not give orders to presidents or prime ministers. The idea of a secret cabal pulling the strings of every government is a conspiracy fantasy. The world is messier than that. Power is distributed, contested, and often irrational. The Illuminati works within that reality; we do not manufacture it.

No. The Illuminati did not create COVID-19 or any other pandemic. Viruses are natural phenomena; they have affected humanity for all of history. The Order's role during the pandemic was to support the flow of accurate information, to advocate for the protection of the vulnerable, and to oppose the forces that would exploit the crisis. We did not cause the crisis. We worked — in the ways we always work — to mitigate its harm. The conspiracy theory that the Illuminati created the pandemic is false and dangerous. It distracts from the real work of public health and the real causes of suffering.

The Illuminati works toward a world that is more unified, more just, and more abundant — a world where borders do not prevent the flow of resources and knowledge, and where every human being can flourish. Some have called this vision a "New World Order" and have imagined it as a totalitarian plot. We do not use that phrase; it has been too corrupted by conspiracy theories. We call it Abundance. We call it the future the species deserves. The Order does not seek a single world government that rules by force. We seek a world where cooperation replaces conflict, where scarcity is overcome, and where the light of enlightenment reaches every soul. That is not an order imposed from above. It is an order built from below — by every person who chooses the light. See our message on our globalist agenda.